Tender Detail

Request for Proposal (RFP) for Annual Statutory Audit Services

(Vital Strategies Ethiopia Branch Office)

Section I – Background

Vital Strategies is a global public health organization that works with governments and partners to tackle the world’s leading drivers of death and disease so that people and communities can thrive. Using data intelligence, strategic communication, and policy solutions, Vital strengthens public health systems and accelerates evidence-based action in more than 80 countries across six continents.  Our programs are concentrated in low- and middle-income countries and cities in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Pacific. Learn more at www.vitalstrategies.org.

This fiscal year, the Ethiopia Branch Office is forecast to have a portfolio of approximately USD 2.9 million across six (6) projects.

Section II – Objective of the Audit

Vital Strategies seeks to hire an audit firm on a framework agreement basis to conduct the annual statutory audit of its Ethiopia Branch Office in Addis Ababa. The engagement is for one (1) year, extendable by two (2) years subject to satisfactory performance.

The auditor shall express an independent professional opinion on:

1. Whether the Branch Office’s financial position at period end, and its funds received and expenditures for the period, are presented fairly in all material respects in accordance with the applicable accounting framework.
2. Whether, in all material respects, the funds have been used in conformity with the approved budget.

Section III – Scope of the Audit

1. Annual audit for the Ethiopian financial year, conducted per the standards in Section V (Accounting Standards) below.
2. Certification of financial statements for the calendar year (January to December), as further described in paragraph (e) below.
3. Confirmation that the annual financial statements are free from material misstatement.
4. The auditor’s opinion on whether the statements give a true and fair view of the financial position at the end of fiscal year 2026 and of funds received and expenditure incurred for the period then ended.
5. Statements shall be certified for the calendar year (January to December) for consolidation into Head Office’s accounts, in the format suggested by Vital Strategies, New York, if any.
6. Confirmation that funds have been spent per donor and/or Vital Strategies, New York conditions, with due attention to economy and efficiency, and only for the purposes provided.
7. Confirmation that all necessary supporting documents, records, and accounts have been maintained.
8. The books of account, as maintained in EXACT accounting software, shall form the basis of the financial statements. Vital Strategies will transition to NetSuite in 2027
9. Audit testing shall pay particular attention to: (i) compliance with applicable legislation; (ii) expenditures; (iii) systems of internal control; (iv) follow-up on the status of findings from previous audit reports; (v) the designated bank account; (vi) safeguarding of assets; (vii) the process of disbursements to grantees/partners/sub-recipients; and (viii) data retention and supporting documentation.

Section IV – Report Submission

The audit report, management letter, and certified financial statements shall be delivered to the Branch Office at the time agreed in the contract, or as otherwise communicated.

Section V – Additional Requirements

Accounting Standards

The audit will follow the Audit & Assurance Standards and accounting standards issued by the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia that apply mandatorily to non-profit entities. The auditor should consider materiality when planning and performing the audit (except where minimum coverage of implementing units is specified) to reduce audit risk to a level consistent with the audit objective. The auditor should also specifically consider the risk of material misstatement resulting from fraud.

Financial Statements

The financial statements shall include:

1. An Income and Expenditure Statement (IES) showing funds received, other income, and all expenditures.
2. A statement of financial position.

• A statement of cash flows.

1. A statement of changes in net assets/equity.
2. Significant accounting policies and notes to the accounts.

The statements shall be presented in local currency.

The Branch Office will prepare the statements in accordance with applicable accounting standards, if any.

During office hours the auditor will have full access to all Branch Office records and documents (including books of account, legal agreements, bank records, invoices, and contracts) and to all employees. The auditor may also approach banks, depositories, consultants, contractors, and other firms engaged by the Branch Office.

Management Letter

The auditor will also prepare a “Management Letter” recommending action to:

• Address observed deficiencies and weaknesses in systems and controls.
• Communicate matters arising during the audit that may significantly affect the implementation and sustainability of the Branch Office.

Section VI – Proposal Submission Requirements

Proposals must include:

• Licenses and Registrations – Company registration, a current business license, tax registration, and local authority license; plus Grade A audit registration with the Office of the Federal Auditor General.
• Firm Profile – The firm’s history, size, and experience auditing non-profit organizations in Ethiopia, plus accreditation and affiliation with global audit firms.
• Relevant Experience – Past engagements with similar entities, particularly not-for-profit entities registered in Ethiopia. Five or more years auditing INGOs is desirable.
• Team Qualifications – Key personnel assigned, with qualifications, experience, roles, and CVs.
• Audit Approach and Methodology – The proposed audit strategy, including timelines, risk assessment, and communication protocols.
• Compliance Confirmation – Confirm adherence to Audit & Assurance Standards, as applicable, issued by the Accounting and Auditing Board of Ethiopia.
• Data Protection – Confirmation of compliance with the Personal Data Protection Proclamation No. 1321/2024 and secure, lawful handling of all data in the proposal.
• Fee Proposal – A detailed breakdown of professional fees, estimated disbursements, and any other costs. All prices shall be quoted by the Bidder in Ethiopian Birr (ETB).
• References – Contact details for at least two references from similar engagements.
• Conflict of Interest Declaration – Disclose any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest related to this engagement, including the following clause:

Tobacco Affiliation:

The Service Provider, in the past five years, has not had any business relationship with, or knowingly received payment or other support from, any tobacco product manufacturer or wholesaler, or any e-cigarette or vaping manufacturer or wholesaler (“These Industries”), or any parent, affiliate, subsidiary, organization, or foundation with majority support from These Industries, or any person, interest group, advocacy organization, or other business or organization (other than a law firm or accounting firm) that represents the interests of These Industries (collectively, “These Affiliates”). The Service Provider currently does not accept, and shall not accept, financial or other support from These Industries or These Affiliates until at least one year after the end of this agreement. Failure to comply with this clause may constitute grounds for termination of this agreement, and Vital Strategies shall have the right to demand and receive a return of all funds paid under this agreement, plus interest, as liquidated damages, notwithstanding any other provision of this agreement.

• Timeline Commitment – Confirmation of ability to meet key deadlines, including fieldwork start and final report submission.
• Proposal Validity – Proposals must remain valid for acceptance for 90 days from the submission deadline.
• Costs – The Service Provider bears all costs of preparing and submitting a proposal; Vital Strategies is not liable for any such costs.
• Confidentiality – The contents of this RFP, and any subsequent communication between Vital Strategies and the Service Provider(s), are confidential and shall not be shared without prior written authorization from Vital Strategies’ authorized representative.

Section VII – Instructions for RFP Respondents

• Contact Persons – Service Providers shall email their notification of intent to bid, any questions, and their proposals to the contacts below. Proposals shall be in PDF format with all supporting documentation, and the subject line “Request for Proposal (RFP) for Annual Statutory Audit Services, Ethiopia”.

Contact Persons:

• Due Date – Proposals must be emailed within 10 business days of the advertising date no later than 4:00 PM (Addis Ababa time) on September 7, 2026.

Section VIII – Evaluation and Selection

Financial and technical proposals will be weighted as follows:

• Rejection of Proposals – Vital Strategies may accept or reject any or all proposals and accept the one deemed in its best interest. It is not bound to accept the lowest-priced bid.
• Complete Proposal – Incomplete proposals are subject to rejection.
• Negotiation – Vital Strategies may negotiate fees and/or benefits with the selected Service Provider(s).
• Final Contract – This RFP and any required supporting documents will be incorporated into the final contract.
• Selection – Vital Strategies may select as many Service Providers as it deems appropriate and is not obliged to engage any until a contract is signed.